Gerald "Pat" Brooks, Janesville, WI (1939-2014)

Gerald “Pat” Brooks, age 75, of Janesville, passed away Thursday, April 17, 2014, at home with his family at his side. He was born in Milwaukee, on Feb. 5, 1939, to the late Charles and LaVerna (Hinkel) Brooks. At a young age, he moved to Wonewoc, WI, and graduated from Wonewoc High School in 1957. He, then, moved to Janesville, where he worked for General Motors for 34 years. In 1965, he married Durelle Dahlke. Pat was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved spending time with family, whether it be hunting, fishing, family vacations, or sport events. Some of his favorite memories are the time he spent in Warrens, during hunting season and cutting wood. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany for 2 ½ years. An avid history lover, he felt fortunate to tour most of Europe during that time.

Pat is survived by his wife, Durelle; two sons, Michael (Diane) Brooks and Gary (Michele) Brooks, all of Janesville; three grandchildren: Tyler, Haley and Matthew Brooks, all of Janesville; one sister, Judy (Ervin) Frank of Reedsburg; aunts, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his two-year-old brother, Gary; and two sisters, Mary and Toni, formerly of Coos Bay, OR.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at SCHNEIDER APFEL SCHNEIDER & SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY with Richard Dahlke, his brother-in-law, presiding. Please come and share memories with the family. A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 10 until 11 a.m. at SCHNEIDER APFEL SCHNEIDER & SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, Inc. For on-line condolences and registry: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com

We would like to give a special thanks to Amy, who cared for him daily and all other staff who helped during this very difficult time. You are truly a sincere, comforting, and special group of people.